Effect of different rootstocks on growth, leaf sclerophylly and chlorophyll fractions of Kinnow mandarin

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate growth performance, leaf sclerophylly and chlorophyll content of Kinnow mandarin budded on different rootstocks. In the pre-bearing stage, the magnitude of vegetative growth revealed stimulated increase during April-September compared to September-December. The vegetative growth of Kinnow on Jatti khatti was better in terms of per cent increase in plant height, plant spread and canopy volume. Reduced vegetative growth was observed in Kinnow trees on Troyer citrange rootstock. Maximum increment in scion (88.37%) and root diameter (83.64%) was recorded on Jatti khatti between April-September. Congenial relationship was observed between scion and rootstock and had mean values for this relationship close to 1.0. Leaf sclerophylly studies exhibited higher leaf area (166.24 cm2), fresh mass (4.36 g) and dry matter (1.85 g) on Jatti khatti with higher density of foliar tissue (433.70 g-1 kg) on Karna khatta. Minimum leaf area (85.07 cm2), fresh mass (2.50 g) and dry matter (0.92 g) was recorded on rough lemon, but leaves were significantly more succulent. Chlorophyll fractions, viz., Chlorophyll ‘a’ (1.60 mg g-1 FW), total chlorophyll (1.87 mg g-1 FW) and chlorophyll a:b (6.20) were significantly higher in leaf of Kinnow on rough lemon and minimum on Carrizo citrange rootstock.